Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

A Practice-Based Framework For Teaching Geography At The Secondary Level, Kyle F. Tredinnick

Department of Geography: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Further work is necessary to carry out the goals set forth in geography education initiatives like the Geography for Life: National Geography Standards and Road Map for 21^st Century Geography Education Project. Methods to communicate the focus of geographic lessons at the secondary level can help guide teachers who are otherwise unaware of the ability for geography to answer questions and develop solutions to problems. Research and development of effective instructional tools to teach geography is needed. This research aims to provide a practice-based model for lesson-development in geography, as supported in academic literature. Input from higher-education faculty …

The Impact Of Storyline Curriculum On Student Engagement And Scientific Literacy: A Phenomenological Study Of High School Biology Teacher’S Experiences, Nicole Holman

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study looks at how using a storyline curriculum affects student engagement and scientific literacy in high school biology classes. It focuses on constructivist learning theory and explores the experiences of thirteen biology teachers who moved from traditional, teachercentered methods to student-centered, inquiry-based approaches. The teachers noticed a significant change in classroom participation; students took more ownership of their learning and showed increased interest and curiosity. As students engaged more in building their understanding, their critical thinking skills and ability to analyze and assess scientific data improved.

The results reveal that storyline curricula do more than help students grasp biology; …

A Guided Ungrading Example For Independent Research Projects In An Upper-Division Ecosystem Ecology Stem Course, Christine S. O'Connell

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Ungrading is a pedagogical approach that, in some iterations, emphasizes formative feedback and student self-assessment over traditional point-based grading. While increasingly popular in the humanities and social sciences, ungrading remains uncommon in STEM courses, particularly those that are content-intensive. This article presents a structured example of ungrading implemented in an upper-division ecosystem ecology course through a 7-week independent research project. Students used public or previously collected ecological data to investigate a scientific question, culminating in a short-format, manuscript-style research paper and a 10 min oral presentation. The project was scaffolded with multiple checkpoints, including structured reflections, peer review, and instructor …

The Key To Acquiring The Language Of Law, Science, And Technology In The Esl College Classroom, Patricia George-Hunter

Journal of English Learner Education

Since vocabulary plays a significant role in second language acquisition, expansive vocabulary targets should be set and pursued. This paper explores the results of introducing affixes to develop vocabulary and increase motivation for beginner to intermediate-level English language learners (ELLs) pursuing academic disciplines in law, science, and technology at a New York City community college. Participants included 23 ELLs with diverse linguistic, educational, and sociocultural backgrounds enrolled in an online synchronous Integrative Language Seminar (ILS) designed to develop all areas of English language proficiency. Pre‑, post‑, delayed tests, questionnaires, and post‑intervention interviews were conducted and analyzed to establish the language …

The Transition Of Mathematics Learners From 9th To 10th Grade While Acquiring 21st-Century Skills, Ahmad J. Alhilal Dr.

International Journal for Research in Education

This study aimed to examine the transition of mathematics learners from the 9th grade (intermediate) to the 10th grade (secondary) in terms of incorporating 21st-century skills in mathematics textbooks. The researcher used a descriptive analytical method and content analysis cards to assess the study unit questions in both 9th and 10th-grade textbooks for the 2023-2024 academic year. The analysis focused on critical thinking and creativity skills, using 24 indicators.

Results for the 9th-grade textbooks showed low inclusion of inductive (10.30%) and deductive reasoning (17.86%) skills, with a moderate inclusion of analysis skills (65.97%). Innovation and creativity skills, such as originality, …

Research On Play-Based Learning In Mathematics, Natalia Do Prado Leite Ribeiro Cleto

Transformations

This paper addresses the importance of using a play-based learning (PBL) approach when teaching mathematics in elementary schools, reinforcing its benefits such as the acquisition and development of concepts, the enhancement of students’ problem-solving skills, and the increase of students’ motivation to learn (Russo, Bragg and Russo, 2020). It explores one of the main causes for math learning difficulties in early learning and explores a possible solution using a play-based approach. This paper also provides a few strategies that can be used by teachers to implement a successful play-based approach in the classroom.

Ethical And Responsible Use Of Generative Ai In K-12 Math Education, Martha Snyder

Transformations

Generative AI (GenAI) tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Microsoft’s Copilot have rapidly expanded into both K-12 and higher education, transforming the way students engage with writing and problem-solving tasks. In mathematics, AI is used not only to solve practice problems but also to explain complex concepts and serve as a digital tutor. While these tools offer educational benefits, they also introduce ethical concerns, such as student over-reliance, bias in AI-generated solutions, and transparency in problem-solving processes.

Drawing from the research literature and best practices in education, practical strategies are explored to help educators and students understand how …

Facilitating Trauma Informed Practices In Intermediate Algebra, Ruthmae Sears, Kelley Cummings, Sandra Vernon-Jackson, Keisha Albritton, Alfredo Rodriguez-Vera, Chuqian Song

Transformations

As a programmatic evaluation effort, we examined the extent to which Intermediate Algebra instructors promoted trauma-informed practices. Data were garnered from 230 students enrolled in Intermediate Algebra in Fall 2024 via a Trauma Informed Practices Survey and a survey about the impact of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies, and the qualitative data were analyzed using open coding and thematic analysis. The results suggest that students generally perceive their instructors exhibited trauma-informed care. The results have implications for providing adequate support and resources to ensure all students learn mathematics.

Leveraging Khanmigo Generative Ai-Powered Tool For Personalized Tutoring To Learn Scientific Concepts, Nedim Slijepcevic, Ali Yaylali

EKU Faculty and Staff Scholarship

This mixed-methods study investigated the effectiveness of Generative AI (GenAI) powered intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) in undergraduate physics education, specifically comparing learning outcomes between students using Khanmigo (Khan Academy's AI tutor) and Google search engine. The study involved 69 undergraduate students divided into two groups (Khanmigo and Google search engine), with a third Paper-only group emerging during the experiment. Participants completed pre and posttests using the Lunar Phases Concept Inventory (LPCI) and participated in structured interviews about their learning experiences. Quantitative analysis revealed significant learning gains across all conditions but found no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of …

A Comparison Of Mathematics Intervention Methods: Overcoming Learning Loss Caused By Covid-19, Adam Goosby

College of Education

The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented disruptions to the educational system and exposed weakness within the structures that resulted in measurable regression in student achievement across all academic domains, but most notably mathematics. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of two distinct methods of mathematics interventions provided to middle-grade students with the intent to begin to overcome the learning loss. Through the lens of the Expectancy-Value theory, the study emphasizes the importance of mathematics achievement and its role in building student capacity and establishing a growth mindset. The study employed a series of repeated-measures ANOVAs and a …

Socio-Scientific Issue-Based Challenge To Students' Chemical Literacy, Suratman S. Naim, La Kolo

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

Chemistry has an important role in global challenges. Chemistry learning has not integrated an interdisciplinary approach to improving students' chemical literacy, enabling them to provide solutions to socio-scientific and environmental problems through the application of chemical concepts. This study aimed to determine the effect of the socio-scientific issues-based challenge strategy on students' chemical literacy. This study used a quantitative methods design with an embedded model. The sample consisted of tenth-grade students of SMA Negeri 1 East Halmahera in the 2025/2026 academic year from two sample classes. The experimental class was taught with the socio-scientific issues-based challenges strategy, while the control …

Local Wisdom-Based Character Education Module With Interactive Technology Through A Deep Learning Approach, Adi Tri Atmaja, Fathul Niam

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

The purpose of this study is to develop and test a character education module that integrates local wisdom values in Blitar with interactive technology through a deep learning approach. The method used is the ADDIE model research and development. The module's feasibility is obtained from the results of expert validation, assessment of attractiveness and practicality from users. The results obtained from language experts were 88.70%, material experts were 92.00%, and design experts were 85%. The results obtained from large group tests on the module's attractiveness aspect in grade 4 reached 93%, on the practicality aspect reached 90%. In the large …

When Generative Ai Helps Too Much: Engagement, Learning, And Student Outcomes In Business Statistics, Bruce A. Reinig

Mountain Plains Business Conference

After two decades of teaching business statistics, first in person, then online, and now in the era of generative AI, I have observed substantial shifts in how students approach learning. Many rely on ChatGPT and similar tools to produce assignment answers, sometimes at the expense of genuine understanding, which may lead to lower exam scores. Using LMS analytics, I track students’ engagement with video lectures and find this behavior more predictive of exam success than assignment completion. This presentation reports on an ongoing observational study and seeks feedback to strengthen its design and effectiveness in supporting authentic student learning.

Racial Noticing In Mathematics Teacher Education: Unpacking Southern White Christian Teacher Candidates' Reflections On Data Investigations Of Issues Of Systemic Racism, Liza Bondurant, Anthony Fernandes, Travis Weiland

Publications

In this article, we examine how southern white Christian secondary mathematics teacher candidates reflected on racial inequities in academic opportunities and school discipline after engaging with data sets highlighting such disparities. Using a lens of racial noticing, informed by Leonardo’s (2009) conceptualization of whiteness as a racial discourse that normalizes white dominance, we analyze candidates’ written reflections to identify how they interpreted and responded to issues of race in mathematics education. Two dominant themes emerged: the normalization of implicit biases and the tensions between aspiring to objectivity and acknowledging subjectivity in educational practices. Both patterns aligned with whiteness by obscuring …

Unskilled But Aware Of It: Understanding Self-Assessment By Estimating Guessing From Cognitive-Metacognitive Paired Measures, Edward Nuhfer, Steven Fleisher

Numeracy

We utilize concepts of numeracy including number sense, reading and interpreting graphs, basic probability and statistics, and reasoning to estimate guessing and verify our earlier findings on human self-assessment as replicable. Our field study employed a low-stakes paired measures assessment (11,229 scores from the validated Science Literacy Concept Inventory and postdicted global self-assessment ratings generated upon completion of the Inventory) in conjunction with a five-category taxonomy of self-assessment proficiency. We also simulated 11,229 random guessing responses, to model responses that disengaged, purely random-guessing participants should produce. At least 90% of participants sincerely engaged with the instruments of measure, self-assessed imperfectly …

Science Education For Democracy And Sustainability: A Transnational Critique Of Policy Texts In A Fast-Globalizing Reform Ensemble, Geraldine Mooney Simmie, Sara Tolbert

Democracy & Education

In a fast-globalizing reform ensemble, we reframe science education for a concept of civic engagement connected to a new social contract for democracy and sustainability. The American philosopher of education John Dewey, writing in the early 1900s, asserted that democracy requires a facelift with each generation in order to respond to the urgent needs of the moment. Dewey asserted that education acts as a midwife in the delivery of democracy. In this transnational comparative study, we conduct a generative critique of science education reforms in two democratic nation states, Ireland and New Zealand. We draw from critical and feminist perspectives …

The Effect Of Genially Based Gamification Learning Models On Student Analysis Thinking Skills In Mathematics, Rosiana Liwayanti, Ida Fiteriani, Ajo Dian Yusandika

Jurnal Pendidikan: Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

Berpikir analisis adalah kemampuan untuk menguraikan suatu permasalahan menjadi bagian-bagian yang lebih kecil, kemudian menghubungkannya kembali secara logis sehingga dapat diperoleh pemahaman yang lebih mendalam. Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh tingkat keterampilan analisis berpikir siswa yang kurang memuaskan, khususnya dalam matematika, serta rendahnya tingkat partisipasi aktif selama pembelajaran. Model pembelajaran gamifikasi dengan memanfaatkan platform Genially menjadi salah satu pilihan inovatif yang dapat diterapkan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji pengaruh penerapan model pembelajaran gamifikasi berbasis Genially terhadap kemampuan berpikir analitis siswa kelas V pada mata pelajaran matematika di MIN 1 Bandar Lampung. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah eksperimen dengan metode Quasi Experiment …

Picture Perfect Stem: Ngss Science Standards Alignment Guide, Dr. Peter J. Kalenda Assistant Professor, Elementary Science & Math, School Of Education

School of Education

The Picture-Perfect STEM: Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Alignment Chart functions as a comprehensive reference tool that aligns all Picture-Perfect STEM lessons with the NGSS. The resource is organized by grade level (K-5) and disciplinary areas (Physical Science, Life Science, Earth Science, and Engineering), enabling teachers to quickly locate appropriate lessons for their specific instructional needs.

Each grade level section provides specific lesson alignments with NGSS standards appropriate for elementary students. The chart includes both individual grade-specific lessons and cross-grade applications that can be adapted for different developmental levels.

For more details about how to use this document, its core …

Follow Me Into Math: Near-Peer Influencers Take The Stage, Aaron T. Wilson, Sergey Grigorian, Mayra Ortiz Galarza, Xiaohui Wang

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Young people like to be entertained, and to entertain others. What if students were to invest enough of their time and effort into learning topics from our mathematics courses to become experts in the eyes of their peers? In this study we positioned college students and high school students as mathematical performers on the stage in front of their nearpeers, for whom they became math influencers, developing and presenting MathShows. The paper shows readers how we positioned students on the stage, using a 7-step MathShow Design Process informed by a Neer-peer Mathematical Mentoring framework. Of import for educators, researchers and …

Citytech Algebra Based Physics Exam1 (Brightspace Quiz), Vasiliy S. Znamenskiy, Rafael Niyazov

Open Educational Resources

This Brightspace-based Exam 1 assesses foundational concepts in algebra-based physics through short, auto-graded items designed to provide clear feedback. The exam targets core learning outcomes from the opening units of the course: measurement and unit analysis, significant figures, one-dimensional kinematics with constant acceleration (relationships among 𝑥, 𝑣, 𝑎, 𝑡), and basic problem-solving with proportional reasoning. Question formats include numerical entry multiple choice focused on common misconceptions, and brief conceptual prompts that test qualitative understanding before calculation. The item set emphasizes translating among verbal descriptions, diagrams, formulas, and graphs; checking the reasonableness of results; and communicating precision. Randomized parameters and pooled …